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There is not a single image in this exhibit I don’t enjoy. In Ashes and Snow Gregory Colbert wove together images, video, letters to spectacular effect. I wish I had seen one of the installations live. He explains:

“In exploring the shared language and poetic sensibilities of all animals, I am working towards rediscovering the common ground that once existed when people lived in harmony with animals. The images depict a world that is without beginning or end, here or there, past or present.”

—Gregory Colbert, Creator of Ashes and Snow

This is how I feel when I look at his work. “without beginning or end, here or there, past or present.” I linger free, timeless. His images take my breath away.

There is a divinity to them.

I gazed upon all the Edens that have fallen in me.
I saw Edens that I had held in my hands,
but let go.
I saw promises I did not keep,
Pains I did not sooth,
Wounds I did not heal,
Tears I did not shed,
I saw deaths I did not mourn,
Prayers I did not answer,
Doors I did not open,
Doors I did not close,
Lovers I left behind,
And dreams I did not live.
I saw all that was offered to me,
that I could not accept.
I saw the letters I wished for,
but never received.
I saw all that could have been,
but never will be.

An elephant with his trunk raised
is a letter to the stars.
(…)

These images are a letter to my dreams.
These letters are my letters to you.
(…)
May the guardian elephants hear my wish,
to collaborate with all the musicians
of nature’s orchestra.
I want to see through the eyes
of the elephant.
I want to join the dance that has no steps,
I want to become the dance.

Feather to fire
fire to blood
blood to bone
bone to marrow
marrow to ashes
ashes to snow.

(…)
What matters, is not what is written on the page,
what matters, is what is written in the heart.
So burn the letters
And lay their ashes on the snow

Inspired by the imagery, words and sense of connection I drew the following. There is a subtle nod to Water for Elelphants. I had just watched it that evening for the first time. In honor of Ashes and Snow and Gregory Colbert’s extrodinary work I call this Letter to the Stars.

If like me you can’t seem to get enough more make sure to watch Flying Elephants Productions videos of “Ashes and Snow” Part I & Part II.

Here is the weekend Reading list. Have an inspired weekend. See you Monday.